Why do you want a pool? The answer to this question should be your guiding force as you decide on the overall look of your swimming pool and hire a pool contractor. A landscape architect or pool builder can walk you through the design process, but it helps to have a general idea of what you want and how you’ll use it.
Preparing For Your Dream Backyard
If you’ve done a lot of research before deciding to build a pool, then you know that it’s a big commitment. The best thing you can do now is find a pool contractor with the expertise to handle the logistics of construction so you don’t have to! Here are 10 steps to the perfect backyard pool:
- Secure Financing
- Consider Timing
- Choose a Builder
- Settle on a Location
- Pick a Shape
- Determine Type of Pool
- Select Custom Features
- Choose Design Elements
- The Build
- Landscaping
1) Choose a Builder
The best way to locate a pool builder who is committed to quality construction and design is to ask for referrals from friends and colleagues who own pools, or to look for reviews online. It’s important to get a quote after they’ve visited your home to view the space where the pool will sit.
2) Secure Financing
Once you’ve chosen the right builder and received a quote, you may need to secure financing. This can be through your bank, but many pool builders partner with financial institutions to offer financing as well.
2) Consider Timing
The best time of year to build a pool is generally in the fall. Summer is the peak pool building season, and contractors will likely have several projects going on at the same time. Fall is typically a slower season, so your project is more likely to be finished faster.
4) Settle on a Location
Depending on the size of your property, you’ll need to decide on a location for your pool. On a smaller lot it may be just steps outside your back door, but larger acreage allows for a bit more creativity in placement.
5) Pick a Shape
When choosing a pool shape, opt for a style that complements the architecture of your home and existing (or planned) landscape design. This is also when you should decide whether or not to incorporate a hot tub into your pool design.
6) Determine Type of Pool
Your pool builder will have the best recommendation for you, but generally speaking, most will advise you to go with a gunite chlorine pool. Known for its dependability, gunite is a concrete blend of sand, cement, and water applied through a high-pressure hose. It’s much more durable than vinyl or fiberglass.
7) Select Custom Features
To maximize enjoyment and enhance the appearance of your pool, you can incorporate custom water features such as waterfalls, slides, scuppers or bubblers. Based on how you plan to use your pool, you may also want to consider underwater benches, fire features, or a swim-up bar.
8) Choose Design Elements
Perhaps you want bright turquoise lining to mimic the waters of The Bahamas, but perhaps you’d rather have a deep blue color with pops of shimmering tiles on the coping. Whatever look you’re going for will be reflected in the colors, textures and materials you use.
9) The Build
There are many factors that go into building your perfect backyard pool. It may take as little as six weeks during the off season (fall or winter), but if you’re waiting on permits and city approvals it could take up to 4 months.
10) Landscaping
If your new pool is a work of art, then the landscaping around it is the frame. Your pool builder can work directly with the landscape designer to come up with the ideal combination of waterscape and landscape for your home. By designing it all at once, we can plan and build special places for unique plants and other landscape features. It also streamlines the construction process so we can deliver a finished product in a timely manner.
Take The Plunge
A pool doesn’t just alter the landscape of your outdoor living space, it changes your entire lifestyle. More entertaining, more fun with your family, more exercise, and a more beautiful view from your back patio.
Aquascapes pool designs have been featured in The Houston Chronicle, ABC13 and Hill Country Magazine. They’ve won several awards for their pool designs and service.
Contact Us to get started on your own backyard masterpiece!